Sir Norman Wisdom dies aged 95

His family said he died “peacefully” at the Abbotswood Nursing Home on the Isle of Man.

He had suffered a series of strokes over the past six months.

In a statement, the family said: “Sir Norman Wisdom has passed away at Abbotswood Nursing Home on the Isle of Man.

“Over the last six months Norman has sustained a series of strokes causing a general decline in both his physical and mental health.

“He had maintained a degree of independence until a few days ago. However, over the last few days his condition rapidly declined.

“He was in no pain or distress and peacefully passed over at 18.46 on October 4.”

The family asked for time to grieve a “much loved father and grandfather”.

Phil Day, who had been Sir Norman’s publicist since 1969, paid tribute to him as a “lovely man” who was “100 per cent professional”.

Mr Day, who chose Sir Norman to be his daughter’s godfather, said: “He never turned down any request. He never threw a tantrum. He was 100 per cent professional all of the time. Of all the artists I’ve ever worked with, he’s been the closest. It’s a sad day.”

He admitted the star could be “unpredictable”, adding: “Whatever he said, you had to look for the tongue in the cheek to see if he was serious.”

Mr Day added: “I have never met anyone in the profession who didn’t like him, right up to royalty. I’ve been with him with members of the Royal Family and the hairs on the back of my neck have stood up at things he’s said. I can’t think of anyone else who could get away with it.”

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Get the latest soap spoilers and big TV news and interviews directly to your inbox…

Please keep me up to date with special offers and news from What' s on TV and other brands operated by TI Media Limited via email. You can unsubscribe at any time.

We'd also like to send you special offers and news just by email from other carefully selected companies we think you might like. Your personal details will not be shared with those companies - we send the emails and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please tick here if you are happy to receive these messages.